‘A lot of positive things happening now on St. George Street’: Moncton businesses open in new spaces

Two businesses have moved onto St. George Street in downtown Moncton.

A section of downtown Moncton that has been plagued with many issues for years is getting some good news.

Two businesses have decided to move to St. George Street and their new neighbours are more than happy to welcome them.

The Taj Mahal restaurant has been a Main Street mainstay since 2003, but that location has officially closed as they continue to transition into the old Deluxe French Fries building.

Manager Steven Singh said the main reason is because they wanted a bigger kitchen which will fuel their creativity.

Singh said the move is also happening because Main Street is not what it used to be.

“Ever since COVID, there’s kind of been dwindling walk-in traffic on Main Street,” said Singh. “Dinner service has always been pretty good for us, but lunch is not what it used to be.”

Singh is more than aware that St. George has had its share of socio-economic problems for a few years and admitted there was a bit of apprehension when they made the decision.

“There was when we first initially bought the building. We kind of looked around and saw that there is a little bit of an issue in Moncton in general,” said Singh.

But he believes the area where the new Taj Mahal will be located is on the upswing.

“Yeah, absolutely,” said Singh.

LaRouère Chocolat is moving a few steps from Weldon to St. George Streets.

A post on their website said they admired their new space for years and the artisan community that thrives there.

“Now, everything has come together at just the right moment, and it feels almost unbelievable that LaRouère will soon join this vibrant neighborhood,” stated the post on the small business’ website.

The more the merrier for Brix Experience Operations Director Eric Effinger who said he’s noticed a lot more foot traffic on St. George over the past two years.

“Good people attract good people and the sense of community here, it’s amazing. We’re very fortunate where we are. It kind of feels like we’re the hub and we’re seeing businesses coming around us,” said Effinger. “Good people are coming to support good businesses.”

Ivan’s Camera is located directly across from the Taj Mahal’s new location and has been a fixture on St. George Street for close to 40 years.

Assistant Manager Roger LeBlanc said it’s good news that the vacant building across the street has new owners.

“It sure is. You can see there’s a lot of positive things happening now on St. George Street,” said LeBlanc.

Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. Executive Director Patrick Richard said people choosing to move their businesses to St. George is very encouraging.

“I think St. George has always been an economic hub,” said Richard. “As we add these business, the restaurant and the chocolate shop, it’s just adding to that momentum.”

Two business owners in the area recently spoke to CTV News about their concerns with crime and the homeless population on and around St. George Street, but that is a few blocks away from Ivan’s and the new Taj Mahal.

“It’s still happening on this side of the street, but it’s much better than what it used to be,” said LeBlanc. “But we’re still seeing it of course. It’s sad to see it in this region here.”

Richard said Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. is the voice of the downtown business community and they can help business owners with any concerns they may have with crime in the area.

“That’s where we spend a lot of our energy, advocating to all three levels of government. Working with partners as well,” said Richard.

LaRouère Chocolat’s soft opening will be held on Sept. 23 and the new Taj Mahal will be open for take-out orders in November and the dining room at a later date.

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